Competition prep - lessons learned!

As most of you know, I have just completed my second season as a Figure competitor. While going through the "rigorous" (understatement) diet and training protocols, competitors find out what they can really achieve through determined nutrition and workouts. It is a difficult process - the hardest thing I have ever done over a period of time - and it has not only taught me about myself, but it has also has enlightened me as a trainer. I consider competition prep as the strictest, most disciplined plan I have ever completed so far - but maybe in a year or so I'll find something harder! It take takes a toll on your upbeat personality, your scurrying children and your saint of a husband ("God, I hope you can eat soon"). However, I enjoy the challenge of it, and I figure anything worth doing is going to be hard!

But now that I am officially "off season", I can eat whatever I want, train or not train (yeah right), and not pinch my body fat a couple of times a week. It is a relief, and Lord knows I have found my sense of humor again! But, there are many nutritional foods used in competition prep that I will use all year round, and suggest that my clients use as well. Certain foods that served me in the strictest of times are also delicious and so satisfying! So, here are a few of my favorites that you'll see in my cooler all year:

• Cottage cheese and mandarin oranges - Holy moly why didn't I try this sooner? Everyone always talks about cot. cheese and fruit but I was too squimish to try - oh my, it is so good, I will never choke down plain cot. cheese again!


• Sugar free syrup - who knew this is so good, why do we eat the other stuff? I love this on my Kashi waffles.


• Greek yogurt - another "who knew"!! I am a "texture girl" and this stuff is so creamy, it feels like frosting. I did the plain variety (with a little Splenda) and berries - 18g of protein, -it is considered a protein source- not to mention totally portable and doesn't smell like fish (easier to eat at work than tuna!).


• Lean ground beef - during the last days before a show, we eat lots of this plain, but any other time I love this instead of a hamburger, just add a touch of ketchup/mustard and you don't miss the bun! 4oz and a 1/2 of green beans - yum!


• French toast - Cin. Raisin Ezekial bread coated with egg whites, cooked, sprinkle with cinnamon and a little Splenda, plus a few egg whites on the side- if only we could get this at a restaurant- it's that good!


• Oatmeal - if you aren't eating oatmeal yet, you are missing out. First of all, forget the pan and stove (thanks Danielle!) and just pop it into the microwave. My fav is topping with diced apples and cinnamon - such a good fall breakfast! Also try bananas and brown sugar.


• Protein powder - this is a must for those building muscle and on the go. Finding portable protein sources is difficult - we can't always heat our chilled tilapia when we're travelling and let me tell you, eating cold gelatinous fish on the road SUCKS! I'd much rather have a 1/2 bottle of water with some chocolate protein powder any day...

So, off the top of my head, these are the best foods that I get to eat almost all the way up to show day - now see, it's not that hard! :)

Try some of them this week, and if you have any others to suggest, I am ready, serve it up!